Pulled Pork vs Pork Shoulder: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)
Compare the nutritional profiles of pulled pork and pork shoulder.
Pulled pork is lower in calories at 168, while pork shoulder has higher protein at 23.3 g. Pulled pork contains 13.2 g of protein.
Pulled pork and pork shoulder are both popular cuts of meat, but they differ significantly in their nutritional profiles. Understanding these differences can help you make informed dietary choices.
What Is the Difference Between Pulled Pork and Pork Shoulder?
Pulled pork is a dish made from slow-cooked pork that is shredded into pieces, often seasoned with barbecue sauce. It is typically higher in carbohydrates and sugar due to added sauces. Pork shoulder is a cut of meat from the shoulder of the pig, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked. It is often used in various cooking methods, including roasting and braising.
Pulled Pork vs Pork Shoulder: Nutrition Side by Side
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of pulled pork and pork shoulder to highlight their nutritional differences.
| Nutrient (per 100 g) | Pulled pork (BBQ) | Pork shoulder (roasted) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 168 kcal | 292 kcal |
| Protein | 13.2 g | 23.3 g |
| Carbs | 18.7 g | 0 g |
| Sugar | 15.2 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 4.4 g | 21.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 666 mg | 68 mg |
Which Is Better, Pulled Pork or Pork Shoulder?
For weight loss: Pulled pork is lower in calories at 168 compared to pork shoulder at 292, making it a better option for weight loss.
For muscle and protein: Pork shoulder has more protein at 23.3 g, while pulled pork contains 13.2 g of protein, making it a superior choice for muscle building.
For low-carb or low-sugar: Pork shoulder has 0 g of carbs and sugar, while pulled pork contains 18.7 g of carbs and 15.2 g of sugar, making pork shoulder the better option.
How to Track Pulled pork and Pork shoulder Accurately
Portion sizes and macronutrient content can be easily misjudged, leading to unintended dietary choices. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.
How We Compiled These Numbers
The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which has more protein?
Pork shoulder has more protein at 23.3 g compared to pulled pork, which has 13.2 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Pulled pork has fewer calories at 168, while pork shoulder has 292 calories.
What is the fat content in pulled pork?
Pulled pork contains 4.4 g of fat per 100 g.
What is the sodium level in pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder has 68 mg of sodium per 100 g.
How much sugar is in pulled pork?
Pulled pork contains 15.2 g of sugar per 100 g.
What are the carbohydrate levels in pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder has 0 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
Key Takeaways
- Pulled pork has 168 calories per 100 g.
- Pork shoulder has 292 calories per 100 g.
- Pulled pork contains 13.2 g of protein.
- Pork shoulder contains 23.3 g of protein.
- Pulled pork has 18.7 g of carbohydrates.
- Pork shoulder has 0 g of carbohydrates.
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